Helen May Dykes

ROCKY MOUNT – Helen May Dykes, age 96, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Born in Yamill County, OR on May 11, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Abraham “Abram” Kotka and Mary Elizabeth “Polly” Wagner Kotka. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Wilson Hubbard Dykes; her brothers, Walter, John, William, Elmer, and Nels Kotka; and her sisters, Ella Cowls and Marie Wagner. Not a lot of people can claim to be “Grandma” to a whole church, but Helen Dykes was considered “Grandma” by everyone at Calvary Chapel of Red Oak. She fulfilled the part well making sure she had mints available not only her great grandchildren but any other child that approached her. The only “toll” that had to be paid was a hug. Grandma really loved CCRO, from the greetings at the front door complimenting her on her “classy” looks to the messages that she was able to hear “part” of. The only thing she wasn’t too crazy about was the music that was often too loud and the air, which was often too cold, but she took it all in stride, perhaps because her daughter Valorie and family made up the bulk on the Worship team. Grandma enjoyed cooking and entertaining in her younger years and after retiring to NC in 1995 she continued to have many families into her home as well as her own. She was well known coast to coast for her banana pudding. Even Pastor Chuck Smith called her the “banana pudding lady”.She always kept an immaculate home and passed that value on to her daughters as well. She dearly loved her home and all her thoughtful neighbors in the Waterford Subdivision. While I doubt that Grandma knew the song, “Wind beneath my Wings” her relationship with her husband Wilson could not be described any better. Since his passing in 2015, her life was never the same. In many ways, she looked at her purpose in life to care for him and champion him and she continued to do so even after his death. Their reunion doubtlessly was a sweet one! In recent days, much of her time was spent with Valorie, Tim, and the kids whom she loved dearly and spoke of often. She lived life on her own terms and left this world in the home she loved surrounded by people who loved her. Helen is survived by her daughters, Valorie Sauls and husband, Tim, and Melinda Vencill; her grandchildren, Robert Parker, Shiloh Wecklich, Jessica Jefferys, Candace Whitaker, and Timothy Wilson Rex Sauls; her nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at 10:30 AM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park with Pastor Tim Sauls officiating. The family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the home, 205 Ashmore Lane, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.